Mandarina IPA is a citrus-forward brew

The North Carolina brewer enhances the experience with the addition of German Mandarina Bavaria hops, an aromatic variety developed to exhibit qualities of intense citrus.

Highland kicks up the theme a notch with a generous infusion of oranges, so the beer isn’t nearly as bitter as many mainstream India pale ales that smack of grapefruit. Mandarina IPA is 5 percent alcohol by volume, which keeps things light for the spring and summer season.

— Eric Pera can be reached at eric.pera@theledger.com or 863-802-7528.